Simple Strategies To Boost Your Health
We all want to be healthy, but that means an entire lifestyle overhaul, right? Actually, no. You don’t have to hit the gym seven days each week or switch to nothing but tofu and kale to take control of your health from your head to your toes. There are a few simple strategies that you can employ each day that will help you be your best. Here are five.
Go outside.
There are a ridiculous number of reasons to go outside. Not only does time in nature help reduce stress, but being in the fresh air can also have a positive impact on your immune system. Further, being in the sunshine helps your body produce vitamin D, which is a vital nutrient. If you’ve never been one to commune with nature, start with taking a class from Outdoor Fitness Brevard offers one-hour guided fitness classes throughout locations in Brevard and Transylvania County.
Upgrade your employment.
Stress is sadly common in every workplace and America. If you find that your job leaves a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach (or you simply think you were meant for more), it’s time to make a change. But, if you can’t just up and quit, you have two options: go back to school online or start your own business.
If you choose the school route, consider earning a degree in an in-demand field, such as health administration or information technology. There are plenty of fully accredited schools that offer classes online, often at a more affordable rate than a brick-and-mortar location. If entrepreneurship is more your forte, make sure that you are motivated, dedicated, and organized, and then start small. Either option will allow you to continue working to provide for your family while also working toward your future.
Add more fruits and veggies to your plate.
Produce is an important part of your diet. Statistically, only about 10% of us actually eat enough of the fruits and vegetables we need each day. It’s time to change that for yourself. Make a conscious effort to replace some of the processed food you eat – macaroni and cheese, fruit snacks, white bread – with peppers, tomatoes, oranges, avocados, spinach, and other foods in a variety of colors. By changing things up a bit, you’ll enjoy eating fewer calories while giving your body a healthy variety of vitamins and minerals.
Drink mocktails.
Even if you’re a social drinker, alcohol can damage your mind and body. According to Mountainside Addiction Treatment Center, drinking can increase your chances of being hurt in an accident, it can damage your sleep quality, and can leave you feeling anxious and sad. This doesn’t mean you have to give up happy hour, but consider switching to a mocktail so that you can be a part of the festivities without giving yourself a headache the next morning.
Clear your calendar.
Speaking of mornings, do you find yourself begrudgingly getting out of bed each day? If so, there’s a good chance you’re probably not getting enough sleep. Overextending yourself for work, family, or social obligations can leave you worn out and ready to crash.
Make a point to clear your daily calendar so that you can get enough sleep each day. While this might mean saying no, leaving work before you’re actually done, or not finishing the laundry, you owe it to yourself to reclaim some of your time. In addition to getting enough sleep, retaking your own hours means you can focus on something for you, such as a hobby or time with your spouse or partner.
While adding healthy activities to each day does require some lifestyle changes, you can still enjoy all of the things you love, just with better health and more energy. Start by making a conscious decision to live your best life. All it takes is one smart choice to get you started, and you may soon find that one healthy decision will lead to a lifetime of wellness.
Written by Jennifer McGregor